Was on VS A340 "China Girl" G-VSKY last night from JNB to LHR. Capt announced 20% of inflight entertainment systems disconnected due to "flight safety" reasons. Was later told by crew it is affecting all A340's with the Arcadia system. Seems some handsets have started to smoke!!! Thing was no mention was made prior to boarding so no option to switch to BA or SA. The fault meant that reading lights could also not be operated. During black out some Pax resorted to using torches to read.
